Making Him Known Among the Nations
I was already thrilled with the opportunity to see the Nile River. Therefore, my eyes widened with anticipation when I noticed the day’s itinerary included a boat ride on this ancient river. Although thousands of miles away from Egypt, this water was linked to stories I treasured in Scripture.
Passing from Lake Victoria to the mouth of the river, our guide pointed to the shoreline: “You will see the bust of Gandhi. His ashes were scattered in the water here and along other rivers in the world.” He continued to explain that this was to symbolize spreading Gandhi’s message of peace around the globe. I knew the life and work of this man should be remembered, yet as I sat on this small boat in foreign waters, the commentary struck me as profound.
While church history preserves many symbols and traditions to represent our faith, the one thing we do not have is ashes. While we were still sinners, God sent His only Son to be born among us and carry our sorrow; the punishment of death required for our well-being fell on Him. Then on the third day, He resurrected.
The following words of Christ are recorded by Matthew:
Jesus came up and said to [the disciples], “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
His followers had no ashes to scatter; instead, they were called to share the message of a living Savior. Closely bound to this command are instructions given by James in his letter to the early churches, words which are familiar to those acquainted with the mission of HEAL Ministries.
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27)
Bethany with Betty, an amazing pottery artisan at the James Place
While at the James Place, I talked with women as they stitched together journals and smoothed away tiny blemishes of pottery. I sat beside others as they engaged in the new finance course being offered. I celebrated with eight graduates as they stood behind their new sewing machines, equipped to change the trajectory of their family’s future. During our brief time together, there was mutual interest in trying to understand the heartbeat of our neighbors from across the world.
From my hometown in West Virginia to the James Place in Uganda, communities are plagued by the effects of sin yet similarly called to make disciples. Although there are degrees of similarities in the stories I shared with the women, there are marked differences, by way of joy and sorrow, that should not be ignored. I believe the command to make disciples and visit orphans and widows necessitates a willingness to discern the unique and complex needs of individuals and communities. And so, during my time at the James Place, it was a privilege to meet missionary leaders who work every day to implement and promote these instructions found in Matthew and James. They understand the Gospel is worthy of our pursuit and worthy of being shared across the nations.
